The breed for me?
- Thread starter benjihairybutt
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I think you may have described the ideal dog here! Seriously, all breeds shed (and the shorthairs seem to shed even worse and more insidiously than the shaggies), most are very active and most like to play and snuggle. But - terriers are extra active and tend toward being standoffish (I loved mine, but you could feel her rolling her eyes when I hugged her). Many toy breeds are hard to housebreak (beyond the owner issues discussed earlier, I can tell you it's just harder to tell what they're doing all the way down there, so you don't know when it's time to grab and make for the door), and many are one-person dogs. And though they like to walk as much as big dogs, they really are at a disadvantage because of their short legs.
If you're patient and do a little work, you'll find a great dog. Contact every rescue and shelter in the area, and tell them what you're looking for, and what your situation is - first dog, you want to do therapy-dog with it, needs to be housebroken, etc. They should be happy to keep an eye out for a good candidate. But be cautious - some people involved in rehoming dogs can be overly optimistic in their efforts to 'rescue' animals, and make bad matches based on pity for individual dogs.
Re: the debate over whether a teenager should get a dog, because you'll be grown and out to college and wanting to hang with friends instead of the dog. It's true, some eras in life are more dog-friendly than others. But it's also true that everyone's different and one person's social whirl time is another person's time to need solitude. I was a loner in high school too, and my dog was the best part of my life. Apart from everything else, girls with dogs are safer than girls without dogs. They defend us, they give us unconditional love without dragging us down (ie, loving your dog doesn't involve the sacrifices and changes in identity that loving parents, family, guys and children do, so it's healthier in a lot of ways), and they make us better people without encouraging our fatal tendency toward self-denial. Get your dog, and have fun.
If you're patient and do a little work, you'll find a great dog. Contact every rescue and shelter in the area, and tell them what you're looking for, and what your situation is - first dog, you want to do therapy-dog with it, needs to be housebroken, etc. They should be happy to keep an eye out for a good candidate. But be cautious - some people involved in rehoming dogs can be overly optimistic in their efforts to 'rescue' animals, and make bad matches based on pity for individual dogs.
Re: the debate over whether a teenager should get a dog, because you'll be grown and out to college and wanting to hang with friends instead of the dog. It's true, some eras in life are more dog-friendly than others. But it's also true that everyone's different and one person's social whirl time is another person's time to need solitude. I was a loner in high school too, and my dog was the best part of my life. Apart from everything else, girls with dogs are safer than girls without dogs. They defend us, they give us unconditional love without dragging us down (ie, loving your dog doesn't involve the sacrifices and changes in identity that loving parents, family, guys and children do, so it's healthier in a lot of ways), and they make us better people without encouraging our fatal tendency toward self-denial. Get your dog, and have fun.
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I'm not sure if a dachshund would be right either . I have never owned one but here's a site to check out whats good about them and whats bad about them.
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/dachshunds.html
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/dachshunds.html
lol I'm afraid you might be right about the ideal dog thing. But, that's what i did, i wrote about my ideal dog. Therefore, anything remotely close to that will be great. A lot of it, like the shedding I had to put in there cause my mom is kind of a nut job about that stuff. I don't really mind it myself.
Thank you BTW, it is nice to know that someone understands how I feel. I'm the kind of person who would much rather run home to her dog than run out to the mall with my friends.
Thank you BTW, it is nice to know that someone understands how I feel. I'm the kind of person who would much rather run home to her dog than run out to the mall with my friends.
T
I was actually going ot suggest that breed!
I do know of a person that runs hers in agility. I am not sure as to how active or playful they are.
Breed standard: http://www.akc.org/breeds/cavalier_king_charles_spaniel/index.cfm
informative link: http://www.answers.com/topic/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel
and another informative link: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/cavalierkingcharlesspaniel.htm
American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club: http://www.ackcsc.org/
I do know of a person that runs hers in agility. I am not sure as to how active or playful they are.
Breed standard: http://www.akc.org/breeds/cavalier_king_charles_spaniel/index.cfm
informative link: http://www.answers.com/topic/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel
and another informative link: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/cavalierkingcharlesspaniel.htm
American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club: http://www.ackcsc.org/
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I looked up boston terriers and from this sight http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bostonterrier.htm
I'm not so sure it's what I want. I want a dog that's energetic and playfull and that likes to go for long walks with me. It says that Boston terriers don't like that much exercise.
I'm not so sure it's what I want. I want a dog that's energetic and playfull and that likes to go for long walks with me. It says that Boston terriers don't like that much exercise.
I just remembered something. I know that they are huge, but the newfoundland is my favorite breed. Do you think I could handle a dog that size, or should I steer clear for now?
I just looked up a West Highland White Terrier and I am very interested. However, I'm concerned about the coat. It said they need trimming and stripping. Any oppinion on this breed?
I just looked up a West Highland White Terrier and I am very interested. However, I'm concerned about the coat. It said they need trimming and stripping. Any oppinion on this breed?
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In terms of trimming and stripping- that's more of a concern if you're planning on showing the dog- most pet owners don't bother with hand-stripping a terrier (which is done to maintain a characteristically harsh coat). It's time-consuming, and a bit painful as well (for the person, LOL- you get BIG blisters on your hands).
BUT- Keeping in mind that Westies are terriers- you're going to have to watch your rats like a HAWK. I would be a bit worried about owning any sort of terrier, many of which are ratters, almost all of which are bred to hunt vermin of some kind (no ill-feelings against rats of course, I'm a big fan of these smart little guys!)
Size doesn't really matter- I'm only 4'11 but I routinely handle everything from Shibas, to Goldens, to Akitas. It's more about what kind of experience you have, or lacking that- how much you're willing to learn. Shibas are notoriously difficult to train, and almost no one reccomends them as a first-time breed. I did the research, met tons of breeders and owners, and committed myself to learning as much as possible. I even went to some training classes "dogless" for several weeks to learn- it worked. Despite the fact that my first Shiba was also my first dog, he came out better than I could have imagined. It seems to me that you seem pretty willing to learn, and that you're serious about finding a breed that fits your *lifestyle* which is the most important thing you can do.
With that in mind- Newfies are big, but not too difficult to train. However, they shed and drool A LOT. If you don't want drool stains on your ceiling for years to come, or all your white clothes to be black...probably not a fantastic choice.
Good luck in your search- you won't regret being thorough when you find your perfect companion!
And of course, keep us posted!
BUT- Keeping in mind that Westies are terriers- you're going to have to watch your rats like a HAWK. I would be a bit worried about owning any sort of terrier, many of which are ratters, almost all of which are bred to hunt vermin of some kind (no ill-feelings against rats of course, I'm a big fan of these smart little guys!)
Size doesn't really matter- I'm only 4'11 but I routinely handle everything from Shibas, to Goldens, to Akitas. It's more about what kind of experience you have, or lacking that- how much you're willing to learn. Shibas are notoriously difficult to train, and almost no one reccomends them as a first-time breed. I did the research, met tons of breeders and owners, and committed myself to learning as much as possible. I even went to some training classes "dogless" for several weeks to learn- it worked. Despite the fact that my first Shiba was also my first dog, he came out better than I could have imagined. It seems to me that you seem pretty willing to learn, and that you're serious about finding a breed that fits your *lifestyle* which is the most important thing you can do.
With that in mind- Newfies are big, but not too difficult to train. However, they shed and drool A LOT. If you don't want drool stains on your ceiling for years to come, or all your white clothes to be black...probably not a fantastic choice.
Good luck in your search- you won't regret being thorough when you find your perfect companion!
And of course, keep us posted!
B
As long as your parents will take care of the dog for you when you are in college if all else fails you should be able to have a dog. You have to have a back up plan. Dogs, especially the smaller ones, are a 15 year commtement. I was 15 when I got my dog. I'm in college now. I live at home and go to community college. When I get my associates degree I will be transfering to a university into animal sciences. My dog won't be able to go with me when I live in a dorn. That's right, even though my major will be in animal science she is not allowed there. I may get lucky and be able to find room mates and get an appartment, but not likely. My parents will be taking care of my lilly while I'm gone. Honestly I don't think that they would let me take her away from them. My mom would be crying. My dad would miss her. They are as attached to her as I am. So I guess I will be the one crying over my dog, but I knew it is coming and there is not much I can do about it. You can try to take your dog to a college that allows pets but there are not many out there. You have to work hard for it and then you still have to have parents that won't get attached to your pet.
I would get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I am around your age and have one and love him sooo much! He was potty trained very fast and has had only 3 accidents inside. Also, they have a wonderful temperment and are extremely friendly. My Cavalier is so social it is hard to go anywhere with him, as he must say hello to everyone. My mom has had dachshunds and they were all very mean. They pick one person and follow that person around and don't like anyone else. They are also very stubborn.
go onto www.petplanet.co.uk and click on a select a breed you then can fill in a form and at the end it shows u your perfect breed. gd luck.
Cavalier vs. Pug
If you were choosing between a pug and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, I'd say Cavalier in a heartbeat.
Pugs are CERTAINLY not low-maintenance. They require the creases in their face to be cleaned at least weekly, more often the better. Also, as pugs get older, they often require eye drops every other day or so. Pugs don't do well in very hot weather OR very cold weather because of their short noses, so if you have really hot summers and really cold winters, they aren't the best choice. They are also heavy seasonal heavy shedders, but shed year-round too. Aside from that, pugs are truly WONDERFUL little dogs, I have nothing against them, they are extremely sweet (maybe even one of the most affectionate small breeds in general). But honestly, I couldn't handle all of the work their face requires and all of their health problems..
I LOVE cavaliers in the first place, so excuse me if I sound just a bit biased
. They have fantastic temperments and are truly big dogs in a small package. They have the temperment of a tiny golden retriever. They LOVE getting as much daily excersize as possible but are very adaptable and can deal with a long walk or 2 or 3 short walks around the block daily. They love swimming and retrieving (they are spaniels!). They are great with kids, an average shedder, and are small enough to travel just about anywhere. The reason I DON'T have one this second is because of the health epidemic with their breed. Matral valve desease (MVD) is notorious in the breed. 50% of cavaliers have it by the time they are 5 years old and 100% have it by the time they are 10 years old, therefore giving the breed a much shorter liespan than most other smaller breeds. Now, they can go years without any symptoms, even after being diagnosed. But once they start showing symptoms, then it is something to worry about and you will need medication. If you excersize it alot then it can live a longer life, I know someone who had a cavalier (who was the sweetest dog ever!) who walked him at least a mile EVERY day, and he didn't have symptoms until he was fifteen. Of course, not everyone can do this, so MVD is a big problem in Cavaliers, and is DEFINATELY (sp) something to consider.
As I said earlier, I'd have a cavalier right now if it wasn't for MVD. After research, the right breed for us was a cockapoo (cocker spaniel/poodle, once again, don't be surprised if this sounds just a bit biased ). They have few health problems, are low shedders (good for allergy sufferers, which was good because my mother is mildly alllergic to dogs), love to swim, are small (if from mini or toy poodles), and are real people-dogs. They do have a coat that grows all of the time, though, so it will need occasional clipping. Even though it is a "designer dog", if it fits your lifestyle, then go for it. I know alot of people here don't like the idea of mixed breeds from a breeder, but remember, it's your decision, not theirs. That's what I thought about, and soon I'll have the breed that I've discovered is right for me after 2 years of research. Anyway, a cockapoo might be a good idea for you.
But remember, puppies need UNLIMITED patience, especially with housebreaking. They also need to be trained, and if not socialized properly, even the best breed for someone can turn out to be an aggressive, shy, and snappy dog. If you not ready for the commitment, then go to a shelter or a rescue, beause that is undoubtably the best choice for someone who can't handle the time a puppy requires for more than a year. The good thing about rescue dogs are that you know what you are getting. You know if he is dominant, or shy, or right in between. You know if he is a people-dog or is fairly independent. You know how big he is, what his activity level is, and whether he is good with other animals or not. In your situation, I would reccomend an adult dog from a shelter or rescue. Petfinder.com is the best website for people looking to adopt a dog, I even look on it daily now just for fun.
If you were choosing between a pug and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, I'd say Cavalier in a heartbeat.
Pugs are CERTAINLY not low-maintenance. They require the creases in their face to be cleaned at least weekly, more often the better. Also, as pugs get older, they often require eye drops every other day or so. Pugs don't do well in very hot weather OR very cold weather because of their short noses, so if you have really hot summers and really cold winters, they aren't the best choice. They are also heavy seasonal heavy shedders, but shed year-round too. Aside from that, pugs are truly WONDERFUL little dogs, I have nothing against them, they are extremely sweet (maybe even one of the most affectionate small breeds in general). But honestly, I couldn't handle all of the work their face requires and all of their health problems..
I LOVE cavaliers in the first place, so excuse me if I sound just a bit biased
. They have fantastic temperments and are truly big dogs in a small package. They have the temperment of a tiny golden retriever. They LOVE getting as much daily excersize as possible but are very adaptable and can deal with a long walk or 2 or 3 short walks around the block daily. They love swimming and retrieving (they are spaniels!). They are great with kids, an average shedder, and are small enough to travel just about anywhere. The reason I DON'T have one this second is because of the health epidemic with their breed. Matral valve desease (MVD) is notorious in the breed. 50% of cavaliers have it by the time they are 5 years old and 100% have it by the time they are 10 years old, therefore giving the breed a much shorter liespan than most other smaller breeds. Now, they can go years without any symptoms, even after being diagnosed. But once they start showing symptoms, then it is something to worry about and you will need medication. If you excersize it alot then it can live a longer life, I know someone who had a cavalier (who was the sweetest dog ever!) who walked him at least a mile EVERY day, and he didn't have symptoms until he was fifteen. Of course, not everyone can do this, so MVD is a big problem in Cavaliers, and is DEFINATELY (sp) something to consider.As I said earlier, I'd have a cavalier right now if it wasn't for MVD. After research, the right breed for us was a cockapoo (cocker spaniel/poodle, once again, don't be surprised if this sounds just a bit biased
). They have few health problems, are low shedders (good for allergy sufferers, which was good because my mother is mildly alllergic to dogs), love to swim, are small (if from mini or toy poodles), and are real people-dogs. They do have a coat that grows all of the time, though, so it will need occasional clipping. Even though it is a "designer dog", if it fits your lifestyle, then go for it. I know alot of people here don't like the idea of mixed breeds from a breeder, but remember, it's your decision, not theirs. That's what I thought about, and soon I'll have the breed that I've discovered is right for me after 2 years of research. Anyway, a cockapoo might be a good idea for you.But remember, puppies need UNLIMITED patience, especially with housebreaking. They also need to be trained, and if not socialized properly, even the best breed for someone can turn out to be an aggressive, shy, and snappy dog. If you not ready for the commitment, then go to a shelter or a rescue, beause that is undoubtably the best choice for someone who can't handle the time a puppy requires for more than a year. The good thing about rescue dogs are that you know what you are getting. You know if he is dominant, or shy, or right in between. You know if he is a people-dog or is fairly independent. You know how big he is, what his activity level is, and whether he is good with other animals or not. In your situation, I would reccomend an adult dog from a shelter or rescue. Petfinder.com is the best website for people looking to adopt a dog, I even look on it daily now just for fun.
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What about a miniature schnauzer Lexi is the best e have had we always had collies and labs but she is the most loving and faithful pet you could get .
We had her at 8weeks old and have never had I mess in the house we did use a crate when out but she was the easiest dog I've had to housetrain also she learns extremely quickly I know of ones that do flyball and agility also obedience.She is also very cheeky
Sue
We had her at 8weeks old and have never had I mess in the house we did use a crate when out but she was the easiest dog I've had to housetrain also she learns extremely quickly I know of ones that do flyball and agility also obedience.She is also very cheeky
Sue